Children and Masterbation

Most of the few friends and family I've talked to about this think I'm insane so I figured I would get a broader range of opinions here in HT. I'm not looking to be agreed with and I'm also not looking to have my mind changed as I've already researched this and feel very confident in my choices but I like the debates here on HT and I figure this will be a good one.

What are you opinions on children and masturbation?

Have your children done it? If so, what did you do? If not, what do you think you will do?

I was molested as a child and I also was a teen mother so when I was pregnant with DD I looked into signs of abuse and preventing premarital sex. I am so thankful that I did! I found out about children and masturbation and I was shocked. I never knew it even existed and I thought surely it meant a child was abused. I looked into it and found that many kids do it and it can have absolutely nothing to do with abuse. So when DD started doing it around 2, I was prepared. I simply distracted her and moved on. When she was a little older I explained it is a private thing and she needs to do it in her room or the bathroom with the door closed. She still does it from time to time at 7 years old but never out in the main part of the house or around other people. I also started teaching her the proper terms for her body such as breast and vagina (we now need to get into details of vagina, labia, etc since she's older). And while it is weird as can be to hear a 4 year old say breasts or vagina especially in public but in our house it's the norm.

Edited: To correct my pregnancy brain spelling!!

Most of the few friends and family I've talked to about this think I'm insane so I figured I would get a broader range of opinions here in HT. I'm not looking to be agreed with and I'm also not looking to have my mind changed as I've already researched this and feel very confident in my choices but I like the debates here on HT and I figure this will be a good one.

What are you opinions on children and masturbation?

Have your children done it? If so, what did you do? If not, what do you think you will do?

I was molested as a child and I also was a teen mother so when I was pregnant with DD I looked into signs of abuse and preventing premarital sex. I am so thankful that I did! I found out about children and masturbation and I was shocked. I never knew it even existed and I thought surely it meant a child was abused. I looked into it and found that many kids do it and it can have absolutely nothing to do with abuse. So when DD started doing it around 2, I was prepared. I simply distracted her and moved on. When she was a little older I explained it is a private thing and she needs to do it in her room or the bathroom with the door closed. She still does it from time to time at 7 years old but never out in the main part of the house or around other people. I also started teaching her the proper terms for her body such as breast and vagina (we now need to get into details of vagina, labia, etc since she's older). And while it is weird as can be to hear a 4 year old say breasts or vagina especially in public but in our house it's the norm.

#1 I'm a grammar Nazi and I must insist that you spell it MASTURBATION, ok? :)

#2 Bella is 18 months old and has started feeling her labia when I change her diaper. I don't even redirect her. I think it is natural and normal and healthy. If she starts really going to town in her pants while in public when she is a bit older I will let her know that it is best to do it in private but that I understand it gives a pleasurable sensation and that it is fine to do.

In general, I am all for masturbation!!

#1 I'm a grammar Nazi and I must insist that you spell it MASTURBATION, ok? :)

#2 Bella is 18 months old and has started feeling her labia when I change her diaper. I don't even redirect her. I think it is natural and normal and healthy. If she starts really going to town in her pants while in public when she is a bit older I will let her know that it is best to do it in private but that I understand it gives a pleasurable sensation and that it is fine to do.

I hear people talk about their young (2,3 or 4 year old) children masturbating... How do you know they are doing that? I am not being weird here, but how are they doing it and how do you know? My daughter may have reached down and touched her vagina but I hardly consider that masturbation. So how do you know?

I hear people talk about their young (2,3 or 4 year old) children masturbating... How do you know they are doing that? I am not being weird here, but how are they doing it and how do you know? My daughter may have reached down and touched her vagina but I hardly consider that masturbation. So how do you know?

I just asked... But il ask again. Do you even consider that masturbation? People touch their genitals all the time and are not masturbating. I do it.. Men do it. So do you think that is what she is doing? I think they are just touching it. Not getting pleasure from it..

I just asked... But il ask again. Do you even consider that masturbation? People touch their genitals all the time and are not masturbating. I do it.. Men do it. So do you think that is what she is doing? I think they are just touching it. Not getting pleasure from it..

I think it's totally normal and ok. If they became "preoccupied" by it I'd be concerned. I have read somewhere that not liking your body and thinking your private parts are "dirty" can lead to eating disorders.

I think it's totally normal and ok. If they became "preoccupied" by it I'd be concerned. I have read somewhere that not liking your body and thinking your private parts are "dirty" can lead to eating disorders.

It's not like adults by any means as they're not trying to "get off." DD will tell you she's playing with herself now but before you could tell. She would be laying down on her hand and kicking her legs up and down. It was very obvious. I'm not talking about a one time touch, I'm talking about prolonged touching of the private part. Honestly DD doesn't even look like she's enjoying anything, it looks more like mindless fidgeting if you look at her expression.

It's not like adults by any means as they're not trying to "get off." DD will tell you she's playing with herself now but before you could tell. She would be laying down on her hand and kicking her legs up and down. It was very obvious. I'm not talking about a one time touch, I'm talking about prolonged touching of the private part. Honestly DD doesn't even look like she's enjoying anything, it looks more like mindless fidgeting if you look at her expression.

I'm due in a couple months soI don't have any experience from my own child point of view but my sister used to do it as a child. She started around 3 or 4 and would do it at nap time. I remember because we are close in age and my mom had a talk with her to make sure if she was doing it, it was only in private. She was doing it at kindergarden nap time and had to be told not to. It was always over her clothing, just basic touching of the area. I never knew kids liked to do that and forgot until a child in my moms 3rd grade class was doing it too. I guess it's just a normal part of human development. I never did it, but that's just me. I think explaining to your child that it is something to do in private is the best way to handle it.

I'm due in a couple months soI don't have any experience from my own child point of view but my sister used to do it as a child. She started around 3 or 4 and would do it at nap time. I remember because we are close in age and my mom had a talk with her to make sure if she was doing it, it was only in private. She was doing it at kindergarden nap time and had to be told not to. It was always over her clothing, just basic touching of the area. I never knew kids liked to do that and forgot until a child in my moms 3rd grade class was doing it too. I guess it's just a normal part of human development. I never did it, but that's just me. I think explaining to your child that it is something to do in private is the best way to handle it.

okay.. that makes sense.. my daughter never did anything like that.. She has touched herself while changing a diaper, but that was not in the same manner... I just have never seen that, but I see now how that is considered masturbation.

okay.. that makes sense.. my daughter never did anything like that.. She has touched herself while changing a diaper, but that was not in the same manner... I just have never seen that, but I see now how that is considered masturbation.

I don't agree with masturbation for adults as well as children. That's just my personal stance. If it comes up when my children are younger, I will use distraction. If it is an issue as they get a little older, then I will explain to them that its not appropriate behavior.

I don't agree with masturbation for adults as well as children. That's just my personal stance. If it comes up when my children are younger, I will use distraction. If it is an issue as they get a little older, then I will explain to them that its not appropriate behavior.

Its a normal, healthy part of childhood exploration. Whenever my daughter starts exploring I'll just ignore it until she is old enough for me to explain that it's a private thing. I think the bigger deal parents make of it the more inclined the child will be to do it.

Its a normal, healthy part of childhood exploration. Whenever my daughter starts exploring I'll just ignore it until she is old enough for me to explain that it's a private thing. I think the bigger deal parents make of it the more inclined the child will be to do it.

I agree with most PP so far. Masturbation is totally normal. I let my 17 month old touch himself during diaper changes or in the bathtub. Right now he is just exploring his body. Later on if he does that in public, I will just tell him that its something he does by himself in private. I don't want my children to be ashamed of their sexuality. I think that its a fine balance and believe that too much pressure on sexual conduct (positive on negative) can be damaging in the long run.

I agree with most PP so far. Masturbation is totally normal. I let my 17 month old touch himself during diaper changes or in the bathtub. Right now he is just exploring his body. Later on if he does that in public, I will just tell him that its something he does by himself in private. I don't want my children to be ashamed of their sexuality. I think that its a fine balance and believe that too much pressure on sexual conduct (positive on negative) can be damaging in the long run.

I think it is normal and part of healthy childhood development. I do not believe that a child recognizes it as a sexual experience but rather something that feels good. I also think that once they are old enough it should be explained to them that it is a private thing and should be done in a private area. I don't believe it should be seen as something dirty or disgusting as it is just another part of their body.

I think it is normal and part of healthy childhood development. I do not believe that a child recognizes it as a sexual experience but rather something that feels good. I also think that once they are old enough it should be explained to them that it is a private thing and should be done in a private area. I don't believe it should be seen as something dirty or disgusting as it is just another part of their body.

There are children who will masturbate until they have a sense of release. It frequently happens around nap and bed time, but not always. Most children will touch themselves, only some acutally masturbate. Enough do that it is considered normal and most child development specialists will advise that you ignore it or teach that they should do so in private, but not make a big deal over it.

Laura

There are children who will masturbate until they have a sense of release. It frequently happens around nap and bed time, but not always. Most children will touch themselves, only some acutally masturbate. Enough do that it is considered normal and most child development specialists will advise that you ignore it or teach that they should do so in private, but not make a big deal over it.

I also agree that there is a difference in discovering and masturbating. I don't agree with masturbating, but I don't have a problem with my toddler touching himself because he is simply exploring that part of his body. Its the same way he has explored his feet, his mouth, and lately his ears.

I also agree that there is a difference in discovering and masturbating. I don't agree with masturbating, but I don't have a problem with my toddler touching himself because he is simply exploring that part of his body. Its the same way he has explored his feet, his mouth, and lately his ears.

It's completely normal for a child to touch themselves. They are exploring their body and they may notice the sensations they get when they touch themselves in that area.Â My DD has been doing this lately, she's 2. Mostly when we change diapers. I've told her that's her private area, for now that's what it will be until she's a bit older and more able to understand what I'm saying. I plan on telling her about her vagina and that that's an area that no one but her future husband is allowed to touch. The exceptions being doctors when doing exams and herself.Â I don't want to make a big deal out of it, I want her to know that there's nothing bad or wrong with her body or sex. Sex is okay when she is in a stable, long term, healthy relationship, preferably married.Â

It's completely normal for a child to touch themselves. They are exploring their body and they may notice the sensations they get when they touch themselves in that area.Â My DD has been doing this lately, she's 2. Mostly when we change diapers. I've told her that's her private area, for now that's what it will be until she's a bit older and more able to understand what I'm saying. I plan on telling her about her vagina and that that's an area that no one but her future husband is allowed to touch. The exceptions being doctors when doing exams and herself.Â I don't want to make a big deal out of it, I want her to know that there's nothing bad or wrong with her body or sex. Sex is okay when she is in a stable, long term, healthy relationship, preferably married.Â

I have a good friend who has twins, boy and girl. They are smart and witty and keep us in stitches most of the time. At some point, I think around kindergarten, the girl would sit on the couch and start playing with herself. Her mother explained to her that if she was going to do that, she needed to do it in private. My friend did not use the terms vagina, penis, etc.

We were at their house one night, and the girl, in her normal dramatic way, stood at the top of the staircase and announced to us all (probably 20 or so people), "I am going to my room to play with my hootie hoo".

I have a good friend who has twins, boy and girl. They are smart and witty and keep us in stitches most of the time. At some point, I think around kindergarten, the girl would sit on the couch and start playing with herself. Her mother explained to her that if she was going to do that, she needed to do it in private. My friend did not use the terms vagina, penis, etc.

We were at their house one night, and the girl, in her normal dramatic way, stood at the top of the staircase and announced to us all (probably 20 or so people), "I am going to my room to play with my hootie hoo".

Most children will do it at some point in their lives. i have all boys so I know in the teenage years it will happen and it alreayd has with my oldest. At first I let my husband talk to him about it and then I talked to him if it was necessary. I told him it was a private thing and it needed to be done in his room or bathroom with the door closed. Children are going to explore their bodies and it feels good so naturally they want to keep doing it. I hate it when peopl automatically connect it to abuse.

Most children will do it at some point in their lives. i have all boys so I know in the teenage years it will happen and it alreayd has with my oldest. At first I let my husband talk to him about it and then I talked to him if it was necessary. I told him it was a private thing and it needed to be done in his room or bathroom with the door closed. Children are going to explore their bodies and it feels good so naturally they want to keep doing it. I hate it when peopl automatically connect it to abuse.

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